Koenig, who has been serving as the company’s interim managing director through an engagement with Arts Consulting Group (ACG), has instituted a new departmental budgeting model, increased the company’s use of social media, and laid the groundwork for new systems in accounting, marketing and development.
“Hiring Lesley Koenig, with her years of non-profit arts management experience, is a key step as Weston expands from a core of summer productions to a series of year-round programs,” commented Anthony C. Wood, chair of the theater’s board of directors.
With more than 12 years of experience managing performing arts organizations and a 20-year career as an opera director, Koenig blends business skills with an intimate understanding of both production and the culture of performing arts organizations.
Engaged as a stage director at the Metropolitan Opera at age 23, she took a sabbatical from an international directing career to earn an MA and MBA from Stanford and to redirect her energies toward management. She served as general manager of San Francisco Ballet, director of production at the Met, and general director of Opera Boston before joining Arts Consulting Group as a senior consultant. She continues to direct an opera production a year.
“When we chose Lesley to be our interim managing director, we had no idea that she would prove to be a candidate for the permanent position,” noted Weston’s resident producing artistic director Steve Stettler. “Her work with our staff and board has been exemplary, our community has embraced her, and we are excited to welcome her fully into the Weston family.”
“There’s something magical happening in this corner of the world,” added Koenig. “I am delighted to join the Weston community and help a company with such a rich history enjoy an even richer future.”
A $10 million capital campaign is currently underway, with plans to build a year-round cultural center for southern Vermont — a theater arts incubator with retreats, workshops and a new studio theatre at Weston’s Walker Farm.
For more information, go online to www.westonplayhouse.org.